Sunday, December 24, 2017

RIVALS BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S AND DELASALLE SQUARED OFF IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec 22, Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights went up against the Minneapolis DeLaSalle Islanders in a boys’ basketball game on December 22.

It took a while for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

Benilde took time off the clock by passing the ball around the three-point line. They also moved without the ball on the offensive end and called out picks.

DeLaSalle’s Gabe Kalscheur came up with steals on the defensive end and turned them into layups on the offensive end.

DeLaSalle’s Tyrell Terry and Kalscheur both pushed the ball down the floor at times and were able to get everyone involved in the offense.

Benilde’s Riley Miller stepped up and knocked down deep three-point shots. The DeLaSalle offense had a tough time slowing him down on offense.

Neither team went on a run in the first half as the score remained close.

DeLaSalle’s Kalscheur kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

At halftime the score was Benilde 37, DeLaSalle 30.

As the second half got underway DeLaSalle kept on attacking the basket and looking to make layups.

The DeLaSalle offense got going early in the second half. DeLaSalle stepped up their defensive pressure and made it difficult for Benilde to inbound the ball.

Benilde called a timeout with 16:22 left in regulation. The score was Benilde 37, DeLaSalle 34.

DeLaSalle attacked the basket on the offensive end, they did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

Benilde’s Riley Miller came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Miller always knew where his teammates were on the court. Teammate Gabe Alada also got the ball into his hands. Alda came off screens and made mid-range jump shots and layups. He was able to use his quickness to get past the defenders.

DeLaSalle came up with layups in transition. Terry took the ball hard to the basket. The defense had a tough time slowing him down.

The score remained close throughout the second half. Neither team let the other team take an uncontested shot.

Terry came up with huge shots late in the game.

DeLaSalle pulled away within the last two minutes of the game.

DeLaSalle came away with the 65-55 victory over Benilde.

The leading scorers for Benilde were Alada with 13 points and Miller with 12 points.

The leading scorers for DeLaSalle were Terry with 26 points and Kalscheur with 14 points.


OSSEO WENT UP AGAINST SPRING LAKE PARK IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 19, Osseo and Spring Lake Park squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

It took both teams a while to get into a flow of the game. Spring Lake Park took their time on the offensive end. They looked to get everyone involved in the offense.

The offensive pressure that Osseo applied on Spring Lake Park made it difficult for Spring Lake Park to come up with uncontested shots.

Spring Lake Park came up with layups in transition. They were able to get past the Osseo defense.

There were many ties and lead changes throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run.

Osseo wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots. They were able to come up with rebounds.

Spring Lake Park did a good job of taking the basket strong to the basket. They were able to get past the Osseo defense.

Neither team went on a huge run in the first half.

Spring Lake Park’s Gabe Myren and Jacob Say both came up with deep 3-point shots.

Osseo called a timeout with 9:06 left in the first half. The score was Spring Lake Park 23, Osseo 18.

Spring Lake Park did a good job of moving the ball around on the offensive end. They got everyone involved in the offense.

Both teams kept attacking the basket late in the first half.

Osseo’s Zach Theisen stepped up and made deep three-point shots.

Even though Osseo had a slow start offensively their offense picked up as they were able to hit shots that they took. Theisen did a good job of getting his teammates the ball in spots where they could shoot it. Theisen also took the ball hard to the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

At halftime the score was Osseo 50, Spring Lake Park 42.

As the second half got underway Spring Lake Park continued to attack the basket and look for their shots.

Spring Lake Park kept on passing the ball around the 3-point line. They looked to get the ball to Elijah Elkerton. Elkerton took the ball hard to the basket as he made layups.

Spring Lake Park called a timeout with 14:49 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 56, Spring Lake Park 44.

Spring Lake Park put the defensive pressure on Osseo and they were able to slow down the Osseo offense.

Osseo’s Cornell Richardson came up with deep 3-point baskets.

Spring Lake Park called a timeout with 10:00 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 67, Spring Lake Park 55.

Osseo was able to make shots throughout the second half. Osseo was able to slow down the Spring Lake Park offense. Spring Lake Park had trouble shooting the ball in the second half. Even though Spring Lake Park had trouble shooting the ball they kept attacking the basket.

In a hard-fought game Osseo came away with the 88-72 victory over Spring Lake Park.

 

BLAKE WENT UP AGAINST BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 15, Blake and Bloomington Kennedy squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Blake pushed the ball down the floor and scored layups in transition.

Blake got the ball into the hands of Robert Grace IV. Grace came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Kennedy took their time on the offensive end. They did a good job of communicating on both ends of the floor.

Kennedy’s guard Isaiah Stone came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls and rebounds on both ends of the floor.

Grace knew where his teammates were on the floor always. He did a good job of getting them the ball in spots where they could shoot it.

Blake called a timeout with 7:40 left in the first half. The score was Kennedy 23, Blake 13.

After the timeout Blake’s offense came to life. Grace stepped up and looked to get everyone involved in the offense.

As the first half ended both teams kept attacking the basket.

At halftime the score was Kennedy 34, Blake 26.

As the second half got underway Kennedy continued to push the ball down the floor and get the ball into the hands of Stone and Matt Cole.

There were many jump balls in the second half. Both teams went after rebounds.

Kennedy was able to get the ball down the floor and come up with layups.

Kennedy’s Isaac Coutier made mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the second half.

Kennedy called a timeout with 10:37 left in regulation. The score was Kennedy 49, Blake 40.

Kennedy scored layups off steals on the defensive end.

Blake called a timeout with 8:05 left in regulation. The score was Kennedy 55, Blake 40.

Blake went into a scoring drought in the second half. Kennedy used their quickness and their size to get to the basket. Blake struggled shooting the ball throughout the game. Overall, I thought that both teams played well.

In the second half Kennedy kept on attacking the basket and coming up with shots. There were periods of time that Blake couldn’t hit their shots. Kennedy took advantage of that, as they attacked the basket and came up with shots.

Kennedy came away with the 78-50 victory over Blake.

I was joined by Sam Williams. Overall Williams thought that Kennedy clearly outplayed Blake. Williams also thought that the Blake offense struggled, and Grace lead the offense.

The leading scorers for Blake were Jasper Liu with 16 points, Gave Ganz with 14 points and Eli Kilpatrick with 11 points.

The leading scorers for Kennedy were Stone with 23 points, Matt Cole with 11 points and Allen Ardley with 10 points.


MAPLE GROVE WENT UP AGAINST ROBBINSDALE COOPER IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 13, Maple Grove and Robbinsdale Cooper squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

Maple Grove started the game off in a zone defense. They wanted to try to make Cooper take deep 3-point shots. Cooper did take deep 3-point shots but was not able to make them early.

Maple Grove looked to push the ball down the floor and take time off the clock.

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively as neither team made shots early.

Maple Grove got the ball into the hands of Alex Battist. Battist came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the first half.  

The Cooper defense tried to make it difficult for the Maple Grove offense to come up with shots throughout the first half.

Maple Grove was able to hit shots late in the first half. 

Cooper called a timeout with 2:58 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 26, Cooper 20.


As the first half winded down Maple Grove continued to come up with shots. At halftime the score was Maple Grove 33, Cooper 20.

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Coper did a good job of attacking the basket and looking for their shots in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 14:05 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 39, Cooper 32.

Cooper’s Jalen Justice came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 12:08 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 44, Cooper 40.

Maple Grove passed the ball around the 3-point line to take time off the clock and look for their shots.

Cooper’s Nathan Hill came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half.

The game was close midway through the second half.

Cooper’s Jalen Justice came up with deep 3-point shots in the second half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.


Cooper called a timeout with 6:26 left in regulation. The score was tied at 50.

There were multiple ties and lead changes late in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 4:12 left in regulation. The score was Cooper 54, Maple Grove 52.

The score remained close. Both teams looked for steals on defense and looked to take the ball hard to the basket.

Neither team gave up an uncontested shot late.

Cooper called a timeout with 9.2 left in regulation. The score was tied at 58.

The score was tied at 58 at the end of regulation.

As the start of the overtime period Cooper passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get into their offense. They went to a motion offense as they looked to take as much time off the clock as they could.

Maple Grove’s Alex Battist and Jared Rainey both came up with huge baskets throughout the game. They were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 1:23 left in the overtime period. The score was Cooper 63, Maple Grove 60.

Both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with layups and jump shots.

Maple Grove’s Jared Rainey got fouled with 3.0 seconds left in the overtime period. That made the score Maple Grove 65, Cooper 64. Cooper called a timeout right after the free throw.

Maple Grove came away with the 65-64 over Cooper.

The leading scorers for Cooper were Justice with 21 and Nathan Hill with 16 points.

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Rainey with 13 points and Battist with 10 points.

I was joined by the
Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Maple Grove Cooper boys’ basketball game.



Saturday, December 23, 2017

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH WENT UP AGAINST APPLE VALLEY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Minneapolis North and Apple Valley squared off in a boys’ basketball game. North pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition.

Apple Valley also looked to get out and run on the offensive end. Apple Valley looked to get the ball into the hands of Tre Jones.

Apple Valley’s Spencer Roland also came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. If Roland didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it to one of his teammates.

Apple Valley played zone a zone defense. They wanted to force North to take deep shots. North took their time on the offensive end. They passed the ball

North called a timeout with 13:23 left in the first half. The score was Apple Valley 9, North 3.

Apple Valley moved the ball down the floor well as they got everyone involved in the offense. They also did a good job of communicating on the floor.

Apple Valley called a timeout with 10:18 left in the first half. The score was Apple Valley 17, North 8.

North’s Da’Koi Hines looked to take mid-range jump shots and layups. The whole North team struggled to shoot the ball midway through the first half. Even though they had trouble shooting the ball they didn’t give up on shooting the ball.

Apple Valley Tre Jones picked up his third foul with 7:11 left in the first half.

Apple Valley called a timeout with 6:16 left in the first half. The score was tied at 21.

Both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and worked for their shots.

Neither team went on a huge run in the first half. There were multiple ties and lead changes in the first half.

At halftime, the score was tied at 35.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and look for their shots.

Apple Valley continued to get to the basket and make shots. Apple Valley’s Josh Arnold and Jones both came up with big shots in the second half.

North called a timeout with 12:11 left in regulation. The score was Apple Valley 53, North 44.

North continued to shoot the ball and look for their shots in the second half. North did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

North kept battling throughout the game.

Jones picked up a technical foul and his fourth foul with just over 7:00 left in the second half.

Both teams kept on attacking the basket. The game stayed close.

Apple Valley came away with the 81-73 victory over North.

The leading scorers for North were Tayler Johnson with 21 points, and Odell Wilson IV with 20 points.

The leading scorers for Apple Valley were Josh Arnold with 20 points and Tre Jones with 19 points.


Sunday, December 17, 2017

ORONO WENT TOOK ON CRETIN-DERHAM HALL IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Orono and Cretin-Derham Hall squared off in a boys’ basketball game. The game got off to a quick start as both teams pushed the ball down the floor and scored baskets in transition.

Cretin-Derham Hall got the ball into the hands of Daniel Oturu. Oturu came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Orono came up with shots throughout the first half. They used their quickness to get past the Cretin-Derham Hall defense.

At halftime, the score was Cretin-Derham Hall 42, Orono 38.

As the second half got underway both teams came out attacking the basket on the offensive end.

Neither team gave up an easy shot.

Orono moved the ball well on the offensive end. They passed the ball to each other and communicated on both ends of the floor.

The defensive pressure that Cretin-Derham Hall applied made it difficult for Orono to make shots early in the second half.

Orono’s offense came to life late in the second half. They were able to make shots that they took, and they shared the ball on the offensive end.

Cretin came away with the 77-76 victory over Orono.

MINNEAPOLIS DELASALLE WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Minneapolis DeLaSalle and Hopkins squared off against each other in a boys’ basketball game in front of a large crowd at Hopkins High School. The game was part of the Breakdown Sports USA Tip Off Classic.

Hopkins came out looking to push the ball down the floor. They were able to make midrange jump shots and layups.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run.

Hopkins called a timeout with 11:54 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 19, Hopkins 13.

DeLaSalle’s Julian Wright came up with deep three-point shots. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

At halftime, the score was DeLaSalle 45, Hopkins 39.

As the second half got underway DeLaSalle continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Hopkins kept attacking the basket and looking for layups.

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the second half. Neither team went on a noticeable run.

Hopkins got the lead late in the game.

Hopkins came away with the 84-79 victory over DeLaSalle

The leading scorers for DeLaSalle were Jamison Battle with 24 points, Tryell Terry with 20 points and Gabe Kalscheur with 17 points.


The leading scorers for Hopkins were Blaise Beauchamp and Kerwin Walton with 19 points, Zeke Nnaji with 17 points.

PARK CENTER WENT UP AGAINST MINNEHAHA ACADEMY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Park Center and Minnehaha Academy squared off in a boys’ basketball game. The game was part of the Breakdown Sports USA Tip Off Classic which was played at Hopkins High School. 

Park Center pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to score baskets in transition.

Minnehaha got off to a slow start offensively.

Minnehaha called a timeout with 15:03 left in the first half. The score was Park Center 9, Minnehaha 0.

Park Center’s Dain Dainja came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Minnehaha had trouble shooting the ball throughout the first half. 

Park Center called a timeout with 8:57 left in the first half. The score was Park Center 23, Minnehaha 11.

The Minnehaha offense came to life around the 8-minute mark in the first half. Minnehaha stepped up and was able to knock down mid-range jump shots and layups.

Minnehaha’s Jalen Suggs was all over the court. On the offensive end, Suggs was able to get to the basket and make mid-range jump shots and layups.

At halftime, the score was Park Center 38, Minnehaha 27.

As the second half got underway Park Center continued to push the ball down the court and look to score layups in transition.

Park Center called a timeout with 13:20 left in regulation. The score was Park Center 44, Minnehaha 34.


Suggs kept attacking the basket and coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Minnehaha kept on attacking the basket in the second half. Minnehaha’s Lorenzo Smith came up with layups that kept his team in the game.

Both teams went after rebounds on both ends of the floor.

Minnehaha for their offense going in the second half. They were able to get the lead late in the second half.

Minnehaha came away with the 61-55 victory over Park Center.


WAYZATA WENT UP AGAINST WOODBURY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Wayzata and Woodbury squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Wayzata pushed the ball down the floor and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

It took awhile for Woodbury to get into a shooting rhythm.

Woodbury started in a zone defense. They wanted to make Wayzata come out and shoot outside shots.

Wayzata got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around to each other and talked on both ends of the floor.

Wayzata swung the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get everyone involved in the offense.

Woodbury went into a scoring drought midway through the first half. They were not able to make shots. Wayzata took advantage of that as they came up with steals and layups.

At halftime, the score was Wayzata 50, Woodbury 26.

As the second half got underway Wayzata continued to attack the basket and look for their shots.

Woodbury struggled to shoot the ball throughout the game.

Wayzata’s Jacob Beeninga came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Wayzata came up with steals on the defensive end and they were able to make layups on the offensive end.

Woodbury bounced back in the second half as they chipped away at the deficit. But it wasn’t enough.

Both teams played physical throughout the game.

Wayzata came away with the 88-64 victory over Woodbury.


ST. CLOUD TECH WENT UP AGAINST LAKEVILLE NORTH IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

St. Cloud Tech and Lakeville North tangled in a boys’ basketball game.

The score went back and forth early.

Lakeville North looked to score baskets in transition. They were able to make layups off turnovers.

St. Cloud Tech played a zone defense for most of the first half. That made Lakeville North shoot deep three-point shots.

Lakeville North’s Owen Blascziek came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

St. Cloud Tech went into a scoring drought in the first half. They had trouble scoring. Even though they struggled shooting the ball they kept shooting.

At halftime, the score was Lakeville North 39, St. Cloud Tech 19.

As the second half got underway Lakeville North continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with jump shots and layups.

St. Cloud Tech struggled to shoot the ball in the second half. Even though they struggled they still shot the ball.

Lakeville North stepped up and knocked down shots late in the game.

Lakeville North came away with the 71-42 victory over St. Cloud Tech.

The leading scorers for Lakeville North were Tyler Wahl with 19 points and Cole Anderson with 16 points.


The leading scorer for St. Cloud Tech was Trent Meyer with 17 points.

PERHAM TOOK ON BRECK IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Perham went up against Breck in a boys’ basketball game. The score went back and forth early. Breck passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get everyone involved in the offense. 

Perham got everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of passing the ball to each other and talking on both ends of the floor.

Perham used their quickness to get down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Neither team went on a run in the first half. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half.

At halftime, the score was Perham 44, Breck 33.

As the second half got underway Perham kept on attacking the basket and coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Breck’s David Roddy was all over the floor. On the offensive end, he came up with big mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end, he was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

Roddy came up with key baskets in the second half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Perham kept attacking the basket late in the game. They were able to slow Breck down on the offensive end late in the second half.

Breck couldn’t hang on late in the game. Perham came away with the 82-75 victory over Breck.

The leading scores for Perham were Jenson Beachy 36 points and Josh Jeziorski with 24 points.

The leading scorers for Breck were David Roddy with 37 points and Joey Ganley with 19 points.

Friday, December 15, 2017

OSSEO WENT UP AGAINST ST. THOMAS ACADEMY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 9, Hopkins High School was the site for the 2017 Breakdown Sports USA Boys’ Basketball
Tip-Off Classic.

In the first game it was Osseo vs. St. Thomas Academy. St. Thomas Academy got off to a quick start as they pushed the ball down the floor and score layups in transition.

Osseo called a timeout with 15:13 left in the first half. The score was St. Thomas 10, Osseo 4.

After a slow start Osseo was able to get their offense going.

The score went back and forth midway through the first half.

St. Thomas Academy called a timeout with 6:00 left in the first half. The score was St. Thomas Academy 27, Osseo 26.

St. Thomas got the ball into the hands of Sam Vascellaro. Vascellaro took the ball hard to the hoop. He came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

St. Thomas Academy took both mid-range jump shots and layups.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the first half.

At halftime, the score was Osseo 47, St. Thomas 43.

As the second half got underway Osseo came out on fire. They were able to make jump shots.

St. Thomas called a timeout with 16:30 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 52, St. Thomas 43.

St. Thomas wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots. They rebounded on both ends of the floor.

St. Thomas called a timeout with 13:43 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 57, St. Thomas 52.

Osseo took their time on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and came up with shots.

Osseo was also able to get steals and layups on the offensive end.

Osseo called a timeout with 9:01 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 68, St. Thomas 58.

Osseo’s Emmette Page came up with huge baskets in the second half St. Thomas had a difficult time slowing him down.

The Osseo offense came to life in the second half They stepped up and knocked down shots on the offensive end. On the defensive end they were able to slow down the St. Thomas offense. St. Thomas struggled to shoot the ball in the second half.

St. Thomas kept on feeding Vascellaro. Vacellaro came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the game.

Osseo got their offense going in the second half. They were able to slow down St. Thomas in the second half.

Osseo came away with the 91-77 victory over St. Thomas.

The leading scorers for Osseo were Emmette Page with 34 points and Zach Theisen with 27 points.

St. Thomas was lead in scoring by Sam Vascellaro with 31 points and Jack Thompson with 19 points.


ROGERS WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

December 8 was the opening of the 2017-2018 boys’ high school basketball season for me. I decided to head up to Maple Grove for the Rogers vs. Maple Grove boys’ basketball game.

Rogers started the game in a zone defense. That made Maple Grove pass the ball around the three-point line. They took a lot of time off the clock early all while attacking the basket. Maple Grove also took deep three-point shots.

Maple Grove also started the ball in a zone defense. Maple Grove did a good job of talking on both ends of the floor.

It was a very physical start as both teams dove on the floor going after loose balls and going after rebounds.

It took awhile for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

Maple Grove’s Alex Battist came off the bench and provide an offensive charge as he looked to score baskets on mid-range jump shots and layups.

The Rogers offense had a slow start, they had tough time making shots early. Maple Grove attacked the basket and was able to get past the defense.

Neither team took a lot of shots in the zone defense. They took a lot of time off the clock swinging the ball around the three-point line.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 9:12 left in the first half. The score was Rogers 13, Maple Grove 6.

Rogers Justin Dorr came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

The Male Grove offense went cold for a period in the first half.

Rogers called a timeout with 4:57 left in the first half. The score was Rogers 18, Maple Grove 8.

Battist was all over the floor on the offensive end he found his mid-range jump shot and made layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy that he was guarding.

Maple Grove came up with steals on the defensive end and they were able to convert the turnovers to layups on the offensive end.

At halftime the score was Rogers 24, Maple Grove 16.

As the second half got underway both teams kept attacking the basket. Rogers looked to get the ball into the hands of Jordan Belka. Belka made mid-range jump shots and layups in transition and in traffic in the lane.

Rogers Brandon Vazquez got hot in the second half. He came off screens and made mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove looked to take deep 3-point shots in the second half. The defensive pressure that Rogers applied made it difficult for Maple Grove to get open looks at the basket.

Maple Grove’s Jered Rainey got hot along with his teammates as they came up with 3-point shots.

Rogers called a timeout with 12:27 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 30, Maple Grove 29.

The score went back and forth midway through the second half. Neither team went on a significant run.

Belka stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 9:36 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 37, Maple Grove 32.

Rogers kept on passing the ball around the 3-point line getting everyone involved in the offense.

Rogers called a timeout with 8:20 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 39, Maple Grove 32.

Belka continued to come up with shots in the second half. The Maple Grove defense had a difficult time slowing him down.

Maple Grove guard Ian Lim took the ball hard to the basket. If Lim didn’t think he had a good shot, he would pass it off to one of his teammates.

Rogers kept attacking the basket and getting the ball into the hands of Belka.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 4:34 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 46, Maple Grove 37.

The Rogers offense went stagnant for a period. They couldn’t make a shot that they put up.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 2:48 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 46, Maple Grove 42.

Rogers looked to take time off the clock by passing the ball around the 3-point line. That made Maple Grove apply pressure out side of the 3-point line.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 34.1 seconds left in regulation. The score was Rogers 47, Maple Grove 46.

Rainey made a free throw to tie the game at 47.

The score was tied at 47 at the end of regulation.

In the overtime period Maple Grove looked to take time off the clock by passing the ball around the 3-point line. Battist came up with a slam dunk that gave Maple Grove a 2-point lead.

Maple Grove kept on feeding Battist. Battist came through coming up with two-handed slam dunks and layups.

Rogers couldn’t get their shots to fall in the overtime period. Maple Gove took advantage of that as they came up with rebounds and layups on the offensive end.

Rogers called a timeout with 13.2 left in the overtime period. The score was Maple Grove 56, Rogers 50.

Maple Grove looked to take as much time as they could off the clock late in the contest.

After a slow start by both teams the offenses came together. Rogers went through spells throughout the game where they were not able to score from either the inside or the outside.

Maple Grove kept the ball moving and kept on feeing Battist and Rainey.

Both teams played hard throughout the game.

Maple Grove came away with the 57-50 victory over Rogers.

The leading scorers for Rogers were Belka with 22 points and Vazquez with 13 points.

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Battist with 19 points and Rainey with 18 points.


Friday, December 8, 2017

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS WENT UP AGAINST AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 6, Gustavus Adolphus and Augsburg University squared off in a men’s basketball game. Augsburg pushed the ball down the floor and was able to score baskets in transition.

Gustavus got the ball into the hands of Riley Sharbono, Sharbono was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Augsburg pushed the ball down the floor and was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Augsburg’s Collin Olmscheid and Harry Sonie and both made shots.

Gustavus called a timeout with 10:56 left in the first half. The score was Augsburg 20,
Gustavus 14.

Gustavus was able to push the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition.

Augsburg’s Henry Mulligan came up with deep 3-point shots to keep them in the game.

Even though Gustavus struggled shooting the ball early, they found their shot midway through the first half.

Gustavus called a timeout with 7:41 left in the first half. The score was Augsburg 25, Gustavus 23.

Gustavus continued to find the basket late in the first half. Gustavus got the ball into the hands of Riley Sharbono. Sharbono came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Augsburg was able to come up with steals on the defensive end and turn the turnovers to lay-ups on the offensive end.

Augsburg’s Henry Mulligan came up with shots down the stretch late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Augsburg 41, Gustavus 35.

As the second half got underway Augsburg continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition.


Sharbono kept on shooting the ball and coming up with big shots throughout the second half.

Sonie was able to get to the basket and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. If Sonie didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it to one of his teammates.

Augsburg called a timeout with 9:22 left in the second half. The score was Augsburg 53,
Gustavus 50.

There were many ties and lead changes throughout the second half. Neither team went on a significant run.

Neither team went on a huge run throughout the game. There were may ties and lead changes throughout the game.

Gustavus’ Vannis Smith came up with layups and mid-range jump shots late in the game.

The game came down to the wire.

Henry Mulligan for Augsburg couldn’t make free throws at the end. Gustavus came away with the 64-62 victory over Augsburg.

Augsburg was led in scoring by Mulligan with 14 points, Sonie and McKiernan each with 13 points and Olmscheid with 12 points.

Gustavus was led in scoring by Sharbono with 22 points and Smith with 15 points.


Thursday, November 23, 2017

XAVIER UNIVERSITY WENT UP AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IN A WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

On Nov. 22, Xavier and the University of Minnesota went up against each other in a Women’s basketball game. Going into the game Xavier had an overall record of 3-0 while Minnesota’s overall record was 4-0.
Minnesota started the game out in a zone defense. They wanted to force Xavier to take deep shots which they did.
Minnesota did a good job of pushing the ball down the floor and getting everyone involved in the offense. Minnesota guard Kenisha Bell. Bell took the ball strong to the basket looking for layups.
It took awhile for each team to get into an offensive groove. They both took a lot of time off the 30 second shot clock.
Both teams took a good fair amount of 3-point shots against the zone defense.
Minnesota looked to get the ball into the hands of Taiye Bello. Bello looked to make layups when she got the ball on the low block. Also, guard Gadiva Hubbard came up with layups.
There was a media timeout with 2:55 left in the first quarter. The score was Xavier 14, Minnesota 13.
Xavier’s Kindell Fincher took the ball hard to the basket as she looked to draw fouls on the offensive end. Teammate A’riana Gray also came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.
After one quarter of play the score was Xavier 22, Minnesota 16.
As the second quarter got underway Minnesota continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.
Xavier’s Na’Teshia Owens took the ball hard to the basket as she came up with layups. She wasn’t afraid to contact.
There was a media timeout with 4:05 left in the second quarter. The score was Xavier 30, Minnesota 30.
Minnesota did a good job of talking with each other on both ends of the floor. Minnesota look to make layups in transition.
Minnesota kept on attacking the basket late in the second quarter.
At halftime the score was Xavier 40, Minnesota 32.
As the third quarter got underway Xavier pushed the ball down the floor and came up with layups and jump shots.
Xavier was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They were patient on the offensive end.
There was a media timeout with 7:25 left in the third quarter. The score was Xavier 43, Minnesota 39.
Minnesota went to a full court press as they wanted to pressure that Xavier guards was they brought the ball down the floor.
There was a media timeout with 4:37 left in the third quarter. The score was Xavier 45, Minnesota 43.
The defensive pressure that Minnesota applied made it difficult for Xavier to get shots up.
Minnesota used as much time as they could on the offensive end.
After three quarters of play the score was Minnesota 57, Xavier 51.
As the second quarter got underway Minnesota continued to get the ball into the hands of Bell and Wagner.
There was a media timeout with 4:45 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 63, Xavier 58.
Wagner stepped up and knocked down key 3-point baskets late in the game.
Minnesota stepped up late in the third quarter and in the fourth quarter they were able to pull away with the 74-62 victory over Xavier.
As a team Xavier shot 21-51 from the field that included going 8-23 from behind the 3-point line. As a team they were 12-20 from the free throw line. Xavier was lead in scoring by Owems with 12 points, and Gray with 10 points.
As a team Minnesota shot 27-68 from the field that included going 5-16 from behind the 3-point line. As a team they were 15-19 from the free throw line. Minnesota was lead in scoring by Wagner with 24 points and Bell with 20 points.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

GREEN BAY WENT UP AGAINST MINNESOTA IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL HURRICANE MARIA FUNDRAISER

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico from Sept.16-Oct. 3. The University of Minnesota Men’s basketball team has gone down and played in Puerto Rico for years.

The NCAA granted teams a waiver to host an exhibition games to help in a charitable cause. Minnesota and Green Bay decided to play an exhibition game on Nov. 5 to help in the Hurricane Maria relief.

The game was played at the Sports Pavilion which is next door to Williams Arena. Tickets for the game were $10 apiece with all the proceeds going to Hurricane Maria relief.

Green Bay looked to push the ball down the floor and get into their offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line as they wanted to get everyone involved in the offense.

Minnesota did a good job of passing the ball around and moving without the ball. They were very talkative on both ends of the floor.

Minnesota’s Jordan Murphy called for the ball on the low block. He came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. If Murphy didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it off to one of his teammates.

There was a media timeout with 14:38 left in the first half, the score was Minnesota 15, Green Bay 5.

Minnesota did a good job of getting the ball into the hands of Amir Coffey. Coffey came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Minnesota’s Isaiah Washington came off the bench and provided an offensive spark. Washington took the ball hard to the basket as he looked to make shots. The defense had a hard time slowing him down.

Green Bay kept on attacking the basket. Even though they had a difficult time making shots that they put up they kept on attacking.

There was a media timeout with 11:37 left in the first half, the score was Minnesota 22, Green Bay 12.

Minnesota came up with fast break layups in transition. They were much quicker than Green Bay.

Green Bay called a timeout with 9:55 left in the first half, the score was Minnesota 32, Green Bay 14.

Washington could make mid-range jump shots in traffic. Washington also had good court awareness and got his teammates the ball in spots where they could shoot it.

Green Bay continued to struggle shooting the ball. Minnesota took advantage of that by getting rebounds and pushing the ball down the floor.

There was a media timeout with 7:35 left in the first half, the score was Minnesota 36, Green Bay 19.

Green Bay’s Khalil Small could get past the Minnesota’s defense and make layups. Small wasn’t afraid to take the ball to the basket.

Minnesota didn’t take a lot of time off the shot clock as they were looking for their shots late in the first half.

There was a media timeout with 3:02 left in the first half, the score was Minnesota 46, Green Bay 29.

Minnesota continued to attack the basket late in the first half. They kept on coming up with baskets.

At halftime the score was Minnesota 58 Green Bay 35.

As the second half got underway Minnesota continued to push the ball down the floor and attacked the basket.

Green Bay looked to get the ball into the hands of Small. Small kept on driving to the basket and came up with shots.

Minnesota’s Bakary Konate called for the ball on the low block. He came up with layups.

There was a media timeout with 15:41 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 68, Green Bay 49.

Minnesota kept everyone involved in the offense. On the defensive end they did a good job of slowing Green Bay down.

Green Bay called a timeout with 13:27 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 75, Green Bay 54.

Minnesota didn’t give up on the offensive end. They kept attacking the basket throughout the second half. Minnesota did a good job of taking time off the clock.

There was a media timeout with 11:52 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 86, Green Bay 56.

Minnesota got everyone into the game. They were patient on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the 3-point line to take as much time off the clock as they could.

Minnesota’s Michael Hurt came off the bench and provided an offensive spark. His teammates could get him the ball in spots where he could make shots.

There was a media timeout with 6:41 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 97, Green Bay 65.

Washington kept attacking the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Minnesota called a timeout with 4:35 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 103, Green Bay 70.

Harris came up with layups late in the game.

There was a media timeout with 3:38 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 105, Green Bay 73.

The Gophers played well throughout the game. I thought that Green Bay was outmatched with Minnesota’s quickness and athleticism. Green Bay didn’t give up at all as they attacked the basket and took good shots throughout the game.

Minnesota came away with the 115-86 victory over Green Bay.

Green Bay was lead in scoring by Small with 20 points and Parham with 17 points. As a team Green Bay shot 34-83 from the field, that included going 11-26 from behind the 3-point line. They were 7-7 from the free throw line and as a team they brought down a total of 42 rebounds.

Minnesota was lead in scoring by Coffey with 26 points and Washington with 24 points. As a team Minnesota shot 43-73 from the field, that included going 8-24 from behind the 3-point line. They were 21-30 from the free throw line and as a team they brought down a total of 43 rebounds.


THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PUT ON A OPEN SCRIMMAGE FOR FANS

On Nov. 29, the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball team put on an open scrimmage for the fans. The teams were split evenly.
The score went back and forth between both teams throughout the first quarter.
Both teams pushed the ball down the floor as they looked for baskets in transition.
At halftime the score was Maroon 29, Gold 22.
As the second half got underway both teams pushed the ball down the floor wand could score baskets in transition.
Both teams fought hard throughout the scrimmage.  
Maroon came away with the 62-58 victory over the Gold team.

Friday, October 20, 2017

IRONDALE WENT UP AGAINST ROBBINSDALE COOPER IN A FOOTBALL GAME

On Oct. 18, Irondale went up against Robbinsdale Cooper in a football game. Going into the game Irondale had an overall record of 4-3, while Cooper had an overall record of 7-0.
Cooper kicked off to start the game. Irondale started on their own 35-yard line. Brendan White was the Irondale starting quarterback. Irondale punted on 4th down.
Cooper took over on the Irondale 42-yard line. Cooper’s Nascier Borden looked to get past the Irondale defense. Cooper’s quarterback Cameron Kind could make plays at the line of scrimmage and come up with first downs. Cooper punted on 4th down.
Irondale took over on their own 20-yard line. The Cooper defense kept their blocking schemes and slowed the Irondale offense. Cooper’s Nate Hill came up with tackles on the defensive end and could bring the running backs down to the ground. On 4th-and-8, Irondale punted the ball.
Cooper took over on their own 39-yard line. Cooper’s Pedro Amousso came up with a 61-yard  touchdown run. The extra point by Edgar Carrillo was good.
With 4:08 left in the first quarter the score was Cooper 7, Irondale 0.
Irondale took over on their own 24-yard line. Irondale again kept on trying to move the ball down the field. On 4th-and-9 Irondale punted the ball.
Cooper took over on their own 40-yard line. Cooper looked to go to the air as King looked for Adrian Adams in the end zone but wasn’t successful. On 4th-and-12 Cooper punted the ball.
Irondale took over on their own 20-yard line. Irondale’s Aden Price looked to come up with receptions as he could come up with catches. Irondale kept looking to the air as they tried to move the ball down the field. On 4th-and-12 Irondale punted the ball.
Cooper took over on their own 27-yard line.
After one quarter of play, the score was Cooper 7, Irondale 0.
Cooper had a false start infraction that prohibited them from moving the ball down the field. Cooper punted on 4th-and-24.
Irondale took over on their own 37-yard line. Irondale’s Ayrias Sears fumbled the ball and Cooper took over.
On the next play, Cooper’s Nate Hill came up with a 69-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt by Edgar Carrillo was good.
With 9:39 left in the second quarter the score was Cooper 14, Irondale 0.
Irondale took over on their own 29-yard line. Irondale’s Leighton Glodek came up with receptions that move the ball down the field. On 4th-and-6 Irondale punted.
Cooper took over on their own 20-yard line. Adams came up with a 13-yard reception. Borden fumbled the ball and Irondale recovered the ball on their own 35-yard line.
Irondale came up with a 35-yard touchdown reception by Aden Price. There was a penalty on Cooper.  Then there was a false start penalty on Irondale that back them up 5 yards. The extra-point attempt by Darby Hanson was no good.
With 7:33 left in the second quarter the score was Cooper 14, Irondale 6.   
Cooper took over on the Irondale 39-yard line. Cooper elected to punt on 4th-and-16.
Irondale took over on their own 1-yard line. Irondale’s Anthony Megelkoch couldn’t come up with a catch in traffic.
Irondale ‘s Ayrias Sears came up with a 49-yard reception that put the ball at mid-field. White wasn’t afraid to run with the ball himself. If he thought that he had a hole he could run through he would try. He would often come up with short gains. Irondale made the way down the field. White found Price for a first down reception.
Cooper called a timeout with 1:55 left in the second quarter. The score was Cooper 14, Irondale 6.
Irondale’s Parker Freiberg came up with 3-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt by Hanson was good.
With 1:52 left in the second quarter the score was Cooper 14, Irondale 13.
Cooper took over on their own 31-yard line. Cooper went to the air late in the second quarter but couldn’t come up with receptions. They punted on 4th-and-3.
Irondale took over on their own 15-yard line. Cooper’s Kevon Fryar picked off a Goldek pass attempt and ran it in for a 15-yard touchdown. The extra-point attempt by Carillo was no good.
With 53.5 seconds left to go in the second quarter the score was Cooper 20, Irondale 13.
Irondale took over on their own 36-yard line. Irondale launched balls toward the end zone late in the quarter. Irondale’s Price came up with a 34-yard reception.
Irondale called a timeout with 29.6 seconds left in the second quarter. The score was Cooper 20, Irondale 13.
Irondale called another timeout with 19 seconds left in the second quarter.
Irondale did look to the end zone again late in the quarter. Irondale was picked off in the end zone by Burns in the end zone and ran it out to the 7-yard line.
Cooper started on their own 7-yard line as time ran off the clock to end the first half.
At halftime, the score was Cooper 20, Irondale 13.
Irondale kicked off to start the third quarter and Cooper’s Burns came up with a 74-yard kickoff return. The extra-point attempt by Carrillo was good.

With 11:49 left in the third quarter the score was Cooper 27, Irondale 13. 
                                             
Irondale took over on their own 28-yard line. Irondale moved the ball down the field as they kept on the ground. Headley tried to break through the Cooper defense as he made big plays. Irondale’s White found Price for a 17-yard touchdown reception. The extra-point attempt by Hanson was good.
With 9:00 left in the third quarter the score was Cooper 27, Irondale 20.
Cooper’s Rashsawn Keten came up with the return. Cooper took over on the Irondale 32-yard line. The Irondale defense stepped up and could get tackles for losses. On 4th-and-18 Cooper punted the ball.
Irondale took over on their own 8-yard line. Irondale couldn’t move the ball down the field. On 4th-and-9 Irondale punted the ball.
Cooper’s Phoenix Sproles came up with a 33-yard punt return. Burns came up with a 5-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt by Abdulrahman was good.
With 6:22 left in the third quarter the score was Cooper 34, Irondale 20.
Irondale took over on their own 27-yard line. Irondale moved the ball down the field once again but the Cooper defense was too powerful. On 4-and-15 Irondale went for it and Glodek came up with a first down reception. The Cooper defense rattled the Irondale offense and the Irondale offense stalled. On 4th-and-18 Irondale went for it and was picked off by Taurean Cain.
Cooper took over on their own 37-yard line. Cooper’s Hill came up with a 38-yard run for a first down.
After three quarters of play, the score was Cooper 34, Irondale 20.
Cooper was intercepted by Nicholas Ellingson in the end zone. Irondale took over on their own 20-yard line. Irondale kept the ball on the ground. The Cooper defense stepped up and forced Irondale to look deep down the field. Irondale went for it on 4th-and-15, but the pass was unsuccessful and turned the ball over on downs.
Cooper took over on their own 49-yard line.
Cooper took a timeout with 8:18 left to go in the fourth quarter. The score was Cooper 34, Irondale 20.
Cooper punted on 4th-and-2.
Irondale kept everyone involved in the offense. Irondale’s Parker Freiberg came up with receptions that moved the chains. White continued to look for his receiving corps on deep passing routs. Irondale’s Sears came up with a 40-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt by Hanson was good.
With 3:53 left in the fourth quarter the score was Cooper 34, Irondale 27.
Irondale recovered the kick off on a squib quick. Irondale took over on Cooper’s 49-yard line.
Irondale quickly moved the ball down the field as they kept the ball in the hands of Sears. Freiberg came up with a 6-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt by Hanson was good.
With 1:56 left in the fourth quarter the score was tied at 34.
Cooper’s Amoussou came up with a huge kickoff return and Cooper took over on the Irondale 24-yard line. On 4th-and-8 Cooper ran and came up with a first down.
Irondale called a timeout with 18.3 seconds left to go in the fourth quarter.
The game was tied at 34 at the end of regulation.
The ball was placed on the 10-yard line Irondale was up first on 1st-and-goal. On 4th-and goal, Irondale couldn’t move the ball down the field. Irondale was stopped on the 1-yard line.
A bank of lights goes out and that creates a stoppage of play.
Cooper started on the 10-yard line. Cooper kept the ball on the ground. Hill came up with 12-yard run after a penalty. On 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line Carrillo attempted a field goal and it was blocked.
Cooper’s Hill came up with a 10-yard touchdown run. Carrillo’s extra point attempt was good.
That made the score Cooper 41, Irondale 34.
Irondale got the ball to the 1-yard line on a Freiberg run. Irondale couldn’t come up with a touchdown and Cooper came away with the 41-34 overtime victory over Irondale.